Description
This large Amazon sword plant is possibly the most popular aquatic plant. Its leaves are 3-6 cm wide, making them broader than the ‚Amazonicus’, and with growth up to 60 cm it is certainly the more dominant in appearance. Older bushes, sometimes with more than 50 leaves, are an arresting sight. The substrate must be at least 10 cm high so that the root system can spread properly. Combine with various Helianthums (dwarf Echinodorus) to create outstanding South American aquascapes.
Plant Profile
Genus:
Echinodorus
Species:
grisebachii ‘Bleherae‘
Family:
Alismataceae
Origin:
South America
Light:
high – medium
Temperature:
22-28°C
Growth rate:
fast
Area:
Background
Height:
60-80 cm
pH:
5-9
Water hardness:
soft to hard
Co2:
20-30 mg/l
Propagation:
adventitious plantlets on the pedicel
Echinodorus ‘Bleherae’ XL: the classic Amazon sword for SG displays
The XL Bleherae is the big, broad-leaved Amazon sword most hobbyists picture when they think of a planted South American tank. With leaves several centimetres wide and growth that can reach impressive heights, a mature bush carrying dozens of leaves is a genuine focal point. It is best reserved for taller display tanks where it has room to spread, rather than the shallow nano cubes common in tight HDB corners.
Crucially, it needs deep substrate, at least 10cm, so the root system can develop properly, paired with root tabs to feed that heavy demand. It is happy at our ambient 27-29C without a heater and tolerates a wide pH and hardness range, which suits the variable tap water across Singapore. Combine it with smaller dwarf swords or chain swords to build layered depth, and trim only spent outer leaves.
Read our Echinodorus bleheri care guide and our best root tabs comparison for feeding. Explore more centrepieces in our background plants range.
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